Madrid is a fascinating mix of historic and modern. On streets such as Calle Fuencarral, you can find symbols of globalization and modernization such as Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and an Adidas shop. However, nestled amongst the commerce, you will find the small Virgen de la Soledad chapel, dating back to 1712. But the hidden gems […]
Where to Eat in Madrid at Christmas
If you’re not sure where to eat in Madrid at Christmas, you’re not alone. Holiday schedules can be confusing—if restaurants are even open at all—but this guide will help you narrow things down! It’s no secret that Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are among the most important days of the year in Madrid. All throughout […]
Madrid in December: Best Things to See & Do
Bundle up and get ready to indulge in plenty of seasonal treats. The holiday season has officially arrived in Madrid, and we couldn’t be more excited! There are plenty of fun activities in store when it comes to what to do in Madrid in December. If your holiday itinerary includes the Spanish capital (and it […]
5 Tips for Eating Alone in Madrid: The Best of Solo Dining
No one who visits the Spanish capital should leave without sampling its incredible cuisine—solo travelers included. Check out our guide to eating alone in Madrid, and make the most of every meal. In Spain, meals are a social affair. There’s nothing like sitting down for lunch with a big group of friends or family, and […]
Top 7 Spots for Tapas in Chamberí
Just north of the city center, Chamberí is a residential refuge and home to some of Madrid’s best tapas bars. When locals want to live in the city, but not “in the city,” many choose Chamberí. It’s the shortest distance you can travel from the center to get a taste of how locals are living […]
9 Lavapiés Bars & Restaurants: Tapas, Drinks & Beyond
If you want to understand Madrid—the real Madrid—these Lavapiés bars and restaurants are a great place to start. Until recently, Lavapiés was one of central Madrid’s most affordable neighborhoods. With its hilly streets and characteristic corralas (Madrid’s characteristic housing style where neighbors share an interior patio), throughout the 19th and 20th centuries Lavapiés attracted migrants […]
Madrid in November: Best Things to See & Do
Madrid in November – it’s the calm before the holiday storm. Before you know it, the Spanish capital will be all decked out for Christmas and Three Kings Day. We love the festive winter atmosphere in the city, but the last few days of autumn are a time worth taking advantage of as well. As […]
Madrid in October: Best Things to See & Do
Madrid bursts with colorful energy at the arrival of fall. After the summer crowds clear out and low season sets in, Madrid takes on a much more relaxed vibe. Pleasantly sunny days and crisp, lively nights bring the best of both worlds. Fall in Madrid is beautiful, with some of the best weather of the […]
5 Spots for Tapas in Chueca that Locals Love
Going out for tapas in Chueca isn’t just a way to devour Madrid’s culture—it’s a way to honor the city’s history. Chueca’s tapas bar scene symbolizes what the neighborhood stands for: modernity, diversity, dedication to quality and continuous evolvement. In the 1970s, Chueca was considered a dangerous area that even the president of Madrid’s LGBTQ+ […]
A Guide to Solo Travel in Madrid: 5 Insider Tips
Solo travel in Spain—and across the globe—has been on the rise over the years, and Madrid is quite the hot spot for independent adventurers. In addition to the usual vacationing families, tour groups, and school excursions, this city is full of solo travelers with nothing but a backpack and a healthy dose of wanderlust. Its […]
The Complete Guide to Grocery Stores in Madrid
As the capital of one of the healthiest countries in the world, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to grocery stores in Madrid. There are supermarkets, indoor and outdoor markets, fishmongers, charcuteries, butchers, bakeries, and delis everywhere. You can find everything you want just by stepping outside your front door and going for a […]
Madrid in September: Best Things to See & Do
While most places see September as the beginning of fall, summer fun is still in full swing here in Madrid. The city enjoys pleasantly warm temperatures, but not the scorching heat common in July and August. And as locals return from their beach vacations, the city retains its authentic atmosphere. If you’re visiting Madrid in […]
Madrid in August: Best Things to See & Do
This blog post was originally posted on July 2, 2018 and was updated on July 1, 2019. The dog days of summer are in full swing, but Madrid still boasts plenty of fun in the sun throughout August. From days spent lazing by the pool with a drink in hand to sultry summer nights taking […]
5 Free Museums in Madrid You Should Check Out
Not much can top an afternoon spent in one of Madrid’s many museums—except when that afternoon comes free! That’s right, Spain’s capital city is home to some of the most revered history and art museums in the world, and several of them also offer free entry for guests. So if you love the Prado but […]
Bullfighting in Madrid & Beyond: What You Need to Know
It may seem like attending a bullfight is one of most authentically “Spanish” experiences you can have. After all, it’s a spectacle that has been historically linked to Spain for hundreds of years. And starting in the 20th century, when literary icons from Ernest Hemingway to Federico García Lorca began depicting it in their works, […]
Madrid in July: Best Things to See & Do
During the scorching summer months, Madrid is full of life. Festivals pop up throughout the city, celebrations fill the streets, and people take to the bars for beer and tapas. The weather may be sweltering, but who says that’s going to stop madrileños from having fun? Visiting Madrid in July is hot—we’ll just say it […]
Lunch in Madrid: Where to Go & How to Order
After a long morning spent exploring, it’s time to head out for lunch in Madrid. Keep reading to discover our favorite local spots—and how to get the best deal! When it comes to lunch in Madrid, the trick is to grab a menú del día. In Spain, lunch is the most important meal of the […]
Madrid in June: Best Things to See & Do
Sunny skies—check. Long, leisurely afternoons—check. Plenty of cultural activities—check. We might be biased, but Madrid is the place to be in June. It’s that perfect time of year right before spring melts into scorching hot summer, and Madrid is thriving. As Spain’s answer to the city that never sleeps (except for when siesta time rolls […]
8 Michelin Star Restaurants in Madrid You Can’t Miss
What does a tire company know about good food? A lot, apparently—Michelin provides the world with some of the best restaurant recommendations. And if you’re looking for the best Michelin star restaurants in Madrid, we have the best recommendations for you. Those clever French entrepreneurs started by supplying motorists with guides on where to get […]
Visiting Madrid in April? Discover the Best Things to See & Do
Not too hot, not too cold, and action packed—that’s Madrid in April for you. You’ve arrived in Madrid at one of the best times of the year. The weather can be chilly or warm, but never freezing or scorching—it’s just right. What’s more, you also won’t have to push your way through massive crowds. It’s […]